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2 Great Danes shot and killed

Published: Friday, August 13, 2010 at 1:54 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, August 13, 2010 at 1:55 p.m.

SILVER SPRINGS SHORES --- Marion County Animal Services officials are investigating the shooting deaths of two Great Danes by a man claiming the animals were aggressive toward him and a neighbor on Thursday.

The man, who lives in Silver Springs Shores, told a sheriff’s deputy he was in his garage working on his car when two Great Danes charged at him aggressively. He jumped on his vehicle to avoid them.

When this happened again later, the man went into the home and retrieved his 9mm handgun and his cellphone to call law enforcement.

Before authorities arrived, the man shot the dogs. His neighbor told him the dogs had attacked him, as well.

One neighbor told a deputy the dogs posed no threat; the neighbor who was allegedly attacked said the dogs twice approached him in an aggressive manner.

The dogs, one dead and the other gasping for air, were transported to the county’s animal control center, where the dog fighting for his life died.

Deputies were told by an official at the center that the animals were so dehydrated, the veterinarian did not feel they could be running around or act aggressively.

Elaine DeIorio, spokeswoman from the county’s animal services, said the case is under investigation.

<p>SILVER SPRINGS SHORES --- Marion County Animal Services officials are investigating the shooting deaths of two Great Danes by a man claiming the animals were aggressive toward him and a neighbor on Thursday.</p><p>The man, who lives in Silver Springs Shores, told a sheriff's deputy he was in his garage working on his car when two Great Danes charged at him aggressively. He jumped on his vehicle to avoid them.</p><p>When this happened again later, the man went into the home and retrieved his 9mm handgun and his cellphone to call law enforcement.</p><p>Before authorities arrived, the man shot the dogs. His neighbor told him the dogs had attacked him, as well.</p><p>One neighbor told a deputy the dogs posed no threat; the neighbor who was allegedly attacked said the dogs twice approached him in an aggressive manner.</p><p>The dogs, one dead and the other gasping for air, were transported to the county's animal control center, where the dog fighting for his life died.</p><p>Deputies were told by an official at the center that the animals were so dehydrated, the veterinarian did not feel they could be running around or act aggressively.</p><p>Elaine DeIorio, spokeswoman from the county's animal services, said the case is under investigation.</p>